Best Mercury Studios Podcasts (2024)

1
STP203 - Remembering Joe Engle - with Michelle Evans 48:41

16h ago48:41

48:41

This week we lost another of our heroes. Joe Engle the only astronaut to have flown to space on the X-15 and the Space Shuttle died at the age of 91. We wanted to pay tribute to this incredible pilot so we asked Michelle Evans to join us. Michelle previous wrote and released what is the definitive book on the X-15, “The X-15 Rocket Plane: Flying Th…

1
Robbie Williams ‘Angels' 6:50

5d ago6:50

6:50

It's the mid-90s, and Robbie Williams has just left Take That. His career is at a standstill, and he's in need of a break. So he heads to Dublin, one of the coolest cities in the world, for some much-needed R&R. One night, Robbie finds himself alone in a pub on George's Street. It's there that he has a chance encounter with a stranger who gives him…

1
STP202 - 3D Printing On The Moon? - How To Turn A Great Idea Into A Business - with Madison Feehan 48:58

8d ago48:58

48:58

As we move forward with plans to live on the moon, new technology needs to be developed to make this possible, and today we’re talking to someone who is helping to make that happen. Madison Feehan is the founder and CEO of Space Copy who are building 3D printers which will work on the Moon or Mars that will be able to use the resources found their …

1
Talk Talk 'It's my Life' 5:09

7d ago5:09

5:09

The story of "It's My Life" is that of Mark Hollis, a complex character, genius perfectionist, and rebel, who refused to fit into the mold of the music industry. Hollis was born in 1955 in Tottenham and grew up in London. After studying child psychology, he turned to punk music, and by the early 1980s, he had become the frontman of the band Talk Ta…

1
STP201 - Remember Bill Anders - with Francis French 50:42

14d ago50:42

50:42

This week we pay our respects to Bill Anders, the Apollo 8 astronaut who died last month at the age of 90. To help us do this we’re joined by Francis French who had numerous visits to Bill Anders home while writing his book “In The Shadow of the Moon.” Bill Anders Obituary: https://heritageflight.org/about/maj-gen-bill-anders/remembering-bill-ander…

1
Deep Purple 'Smoke on the Water' 7:53

14d ago7:53

7:53

Welcome to the podcast where we dive deep into the stories behind some of the most iconic songs in music history. In this episode, we will be talking about the classic rock anthem "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple. It all started on December 4th, 1971, when the band was in Montreux, Switzerland, to record their album 'Machine Head'. They were usi…

1
STP200 - Space Art and Stall Three Studio - with Sterling Crawford and General Charlie Duke 53:59

16d ago53:59

53:59

Can you believe it? 200 episodes! Today we bring you something extra special as we interview Sterling Crawford and General Charlie Duke. Sterling recently opened Stall Three Studio in South Carolina and unveiled a brand new portrait of her grandfather General Duke as part of the “Space Exploration: Past Present and Future” exhibit, so we find out m…

1
David Bowie 'Let's Dance' 6:48

21d ago6:48

6:48

Welcome to a musical journey through the dazzling resurgence of the iconic David Bowie, marked by the chart-topping anthem that dominated both sides of the Atlantic in 1983. In this episode, we unravel the untold story behind the song that heralded Bowie's triumphant return - 'Let's Dance.' As Bowie grapples with personal demons, including a cocain…

1
STP199 - An Interview With Alan Bean - Part 3 - with Rick Houston 59:59

23d ago59:59

59:59

And so this week is part 3 of 3 in which we get to listen to some interviews with Alan Bean conducted by Rick Houston back in 2016. An incredible insight into the mind and life of the 4th person to walk on the moon. Makes sure you listened to parts one and two first! We're also joined by Rick to talk about the what, why and how of these interviews.…

1
Phil Collins 'Easy Lover' 6:12

28d ago6:12

6:12

Welcome to "The Backstage Pass," where we unlock the captivating tales behind musical masterpieces. In this episode, we turn our spotlight on the genre-defying hit "Easy Lover" by Phil Collins and Philip Bailey, released in 1984. Our journey begins in Denver, where Philip Bailey's soulful roots take shape. From singing in his local church every Sun…

1
STP198 - An Interview With Alan Bean - Part 2 - with Rick Houston 59:59

1M ago59:59

59:59

And so this week is part 2 of 3 in which we get to listen to some interviews with Alan Bean conducted by Rick Houston back in 2016. An incredible insight into the mind and life of the 4th person to walk on the moon. Makes sure you listened to last week's episode first. Alan Bean Obituary: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/family-release-regarding-t…

1
Tears For Fears 'Woman In Chains' 7:16

1M ago7:16

7:16

Step into the captivating world behind Tears For Fears' 1989 hit 'Woman In Chains.' In 1985, the duo found inspiration in a jazz trio's enchanting performance, leading to a powerful anthem rooted in feminist ideals. Discover how Roland Orzabal's literary exploration fueled the creation of a song urging women to reclaim their pivotal role in shaping…

1
STP197 - An Interview With Alan Bean - Part 1 - with Rick Houston 54:23

1M ago54:23

54:23

A very special episode this week, part 1 of 3 in which we get to listen to some interviews with Alan Bean conducted by Rick Houston back in 2016. An incredible insight into the mind and life of the 4th person to walk on the moon. Alan Bean Obituary: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/family-release-regarding-the-passing-of-apollo-skylab-astronaut-al…

1
The Police 'Message In The Bottle' 6:36

1M ago6:36

6:36

Welcome to another episode of 'The Backstage Pass,' where we peel back the curtain to reveal the captivating stories behind the greatest songs in music history. Today, we take center stage with The Police's 1979 hit 'Message In The Bottle.' Journey with us to 1976 London, where Sting and Stewart Copeland laid the foundation for The Police, driven b…

1
STP196 - SpaceX - Elon Musk and the Final Frontier - with Brad Bergan 46:15

1M ago46:15

46:15

SpaceX are the number 1 launch provider in the world currently, and author/journalist Brad Bergan has just released a wonderful book about them called SpaceX: Elon Musk and the Final Frontier. So we think it’s about time that we have a conversation about SpaceX. Brad Bergan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-bergan/ SpaceX - Elon Musk and …

1
Keane 'Everybody's changing' 5:28

2M ago5:28

5:28

In this episodeBattle,, we delve into the mesmerizing narrative behind the track that serves as a testament to the power of perseverance – Keane's "Everybody's Changing." Hailing from the quaint town of Battle in the southeast of England, childhood friends Tom, Richard, and Tim embark on a musical journey that would define their lives. Named in hom…

1
STP195 - Winning A Trip To Space - with Dr. Eiman Jahangir 44:29

2M ago44:29

44:29

Over the weekend Blue Origin launched their first crewed mission after nearly two years and today we’re speaking to someone who has won their ticket for one of their future flights. Dr. Eiman Jahangir entered the MoonDAO Ticket To Space raffle and his name was picked out, however, Dr. Jahangir is so much more than a space tourist as you’ll find out…

1
Edwyn Collins 'A Girl Like You' 5:24

2M ago5:24

5:24

Welcome to the podcast where we uncover the story behind the hit song 'A Girl Like You' by Edwyn Collins. This song is intimately linked to the romantic biography of its author, composer, and performer Edwyn Collins, who was born in 1959 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Collins was a talented musician who, at not even 20 years old, created the group Orange …

1
STP194 - Reconnaissance Satellites - Who, What and Why? - with Dwayne Day 54:06

2M ago54:06

54:06

In nearly 200 episodes we’ve never had any in depth discussion about the military uses of space, so we’ve decided this is the week. We’re joined by Dwayne Day, a space historian who is an expert on the history of reconnaissance satellites and it’s a fascinating conversation. Dwayne Day: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-day-41983723/ X: …

1
The Rolling Stones 'Angie' 6:42

2M ago6:42

6:42

Step into the captivating world of rock 'n roll history with our latest podcast episode, as we delve deep into the enigmatic title that has become a timeless classic. Join us as we explore the compelling story behind "Angie" by The Rolling Stones, released in 1973. In the early '70s, the Rolling Stones found themselves at a crossroads. With inspira…

1
STP193 - Tracking Stations and Delta Launches - with Dan Kovalchik 46:51

2M ago46:51

46:51

Ever wondered what life might be like on a remote part of the world while tracking spacecraft and communicating with them? Ever considered the dangers of being in a blockhouse close to a rocket launch as it explodes? Well our guess this week has some stories for you. We speak to Dan Kovalchik who started working on tracking stations and eventually …

1
Tasmin Archer 'Sleeping Satellite' 6:22

2M ago6:22

6:22

In this episode of 'Behind the Hits,' we delve into the captivating story behind Tasmin Archer's iconic track, 'Sleeping Satellite,' released in 1992. Join us as we uncover the journey of a talented English artist who rose from the shadows of backing vocals to create a song that echoed a powerful critique of human nature. Tasmin Archer's musical jo…

1
STP192 - Talking About The Moon and Poetry with Christopher Cokinos 52:10

2M ago52:10

52:10

We can’t get enough of talking about the moon and we love a bit of poetry, so it was a joy talking to Christopher Cokinos for this week’s podcast. Christopher has just released a book called ‘Still as Bright - An Illuminating History of the Moon, from Antiquity to Tomorrow’ - and it’s a must read! Christopher Cokinos: https://www.christophercokinos…

1
Joe Jackson 'Steppin' Out' 5:34

3M ago5:34

5:34

Join us in this episode of our podcast as we dive into the captivating story behind one of Joe Jackson's iconic tracks, "Steppin' Out." Released in 1982, this song showcases Jackson's unique ability to blend genres and create a sound that resonates with listeners even decades later. The tale begins with the birth of David Ian Jackson in 1954, into …

1
STP191 - Why Is It So Difficult To Land On The Moon? - with Brandon Dotson 41:29

3M ago41:29

41:29

With the recent moon landing attempts by private US companies having some mixed results, it seems that everyone is an expert on how to land something on the moon all of a sudden, well today we speak to an actual expert to find out what's really going on up there. Brandon Dotson has all the degrees and is currently writing a thesis on the difficulti…

1
Amy Winehouse 'Back to Black' 6:04

3M ago6:04

6:04

In this episode, we delve into the captivating story behind one of the most iconic tracks of 2007, "Back to Black" by the sensational Amy Winehouse. Join us as we unravel the tumultuous journey that led to the creation of this chart-topping sensation, exploring the emotional and creative turmoil that shaped its heartfelt lyrics. During the mid-2000…

1
STP190 - How To Look After A Spacesuit - with Lisa Young 47:37

3M ago47:37

47:37

This week we speak to Lisa Young, Supervisory Conservator at the National Air and Space Museum, who has been responsible for the preservation of the spacesuits and spacecraft in the Smithsonian collection. Ever been to a museum and wondered about how they look after the spacesuits? Well Lisa is the expert. Lisa Young: https://www.linkedin.com/in/li…

1
Oasis 'Wonderwall' 5:48

3M ago5:48

5:48

In 1995, "Wonderwall" was released as the third single from Oasis' album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?". The song became a huge hit, propelling the band to global success and making it one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s. But the story behind the song is as interesting as the music itself. Noel Gallagher wrote "Wonderwall" during a tour …

1
STP189 - Remembering George Abbey - with Michael Cassutt 55:08

3M ago55:08

55:08

On 24th March of this year, George Abbey died at the age of 91. One of the most influencial people working behind the scenes at NASA for many years and someone who has come up many times during many interviews. So we wanted to spend an episode to pay tribute to his contributions. To do this we’re joined by Michael Cassutt, author of the 2018 book “…

1
8 - 'Fast Slow Disco' by St Vincent 51:00

3M ago51:00

51:00

We have a bonus episode for you! Join us as we are celebrating the brilliant ‘Fast Slow Disco’ the up-tempo reworking of ‘Slow Disco’ by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Annie Clark, who goes by the stage name St Vincent. Annie began her music career as a member of the Polyphonic Spree, and has since released 7 critically acclaimed albu…

1
Elton John 'Song For a Guy' 5:17

3M ago5:17

5:17

Join us as we delve into the heart-rending story behind one of Elton John's most iconic compositions, "Song For A Guy." Released in 1978, this instrumental masterpiece holds a poignant narrative that resonates with audiences to this day. After a two-year hiatus, Elton John finds himself at a creative crossroads, facing the daunting task of crafting…

1
STP 188 - Predicting The Eclipse - A Multimillennium Tale Of Computation - with Stephen Wolfram 51:48

4M ago51:48

51:48

On April 8th there will be a total eclipse travelling across Mexico, the United States and Canada so today we talk to Stephen Wolfram, who earlier this year released a book called “Predicting the Eclipse: A Multimillennium Tale of Computation.” - we learn about the history of predicting eclipses and so much more. Stephen Wolfram: https://www.stephe…

1
Radiohead 'Creep' 5:58

4M ago5:58

5:58

In this episode, we unravel the captivating story behind the iconic track "Creep" by the renowned band Radiohead. From its humble origins, composed in a student's room, to its meteoric rise as a 90s anthem, this episode traces the captivating narrative of the song's evolution and reception. As we delve into the backstory, we discover how the lead v…

1
STP187 - Moonshot Astronaut Families - Exploring Image vs Reality in the Early Space Era - with Dr. Tracy Scott 50:01

4M ago50:01

50:01

This week we talk to Dr. Tracy Scott who has just started a project to bring together her own history as an early era “astronaut kid” (daughter of David R. Scott: Gemini 8, Apollo 9, Apollo 15) with her professional expertise as a sociologist and teacher. 100 Patreons By Show 200: https://www.patreon.com/Spaceandthings Dave’s Tour Dates: http://www…

1
Supertramp 'Breakfast In America' 4:32

4M ago4:32

4:32

Join us on a riveting journey through the captivating tale behind the timeless classic, Breakfast in America, by Supertramp, released in 1979. Composed by the visionary Roger Hodgson during the prime of his youth, the song chronicles his longing for the sun-soaked shores of California and the carefree American youth culture, while his heart remaine…

1
STP186 - Remembering General Thomas P. Stafford - with Bill Moore 38:46

4M ago38:46

38:46

Sad news this week as the space world mourns the loss of General Thomas P. Stafford, pilot of Gemini 6 and commander of Gemini 9a, Apollo 10 and the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. A true legend of spaceflight and he will be missed. 100 Patreons By Show 200: https://www.patreon.com/Spaceandthings Dave’s Tour Dates: http://www.davejgiles.com/gigs Tom Sta…

1
The Alan Parsons Project 'Eye In the Sky' 6:12

4M ago6:12

6:12

Join us on a captivating journey into the life of Alan Parsons, the mastermind behind the iconic song 'Eye in the Sky' by The Alan Parsons Project. Delve into the fascinating world of music production as we explore Parsons' early passion for sound engineering and his pivotal role in shaping some of the most legendary albums in history. From his hum…

1
STP185 - The Art of Museum Curation - with Three Smithsonian Curators 49:21

4M ago49:21

49:21

This week we conclude the interviews we recorded at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in January by asking about what it means to be a curator at the museum. We had three interview and we spoke to each of the individually about various aspects of life as a curator and have merged those aspects into this episode. We hope that you enjoyed the epis…

1
Travis 'Sing' 5:16

4M ago5:16

5:16

Embark on a captivating narrative as we unveil the untold story behind the iconic song 'Sing' by Travis, which took the music world by storm in 2001. Delve into the remarkable life of Francis Healy, born in 1973 and raised in the vibrant city of Glasgow, as he finds his musical calling amidst the classic rock tunes that shaped his early years. At t…

1
STP184 - Galileo's Moon - A Brand New Apollo 15 Movie - with Editor David Woods 47:10

4M ago47:10

47:10

This week we speak to David Woods, the editor of a brand new movie called ‘Galileo Moon’ which is all about the Apollo 15 mission and is produced by the commander of that mission, Dave Scott. 100 Patreons By Show 200: https://www.patreon.com/Spaceandthings Dave’s Tour Dates: http://www.davejgiles.com/gigs David Woods: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin…

1
7 - 'Going To A Town' by Rufus Wainwright 43:41

4M ago43:41

43:41

For our last episode of this current series we celebrate the brilliant 'Going To A Town' by singer, songwriter Rufus Wainwright. The song, which was the first single from Rufus’s 2007 album 'Release the Stars', has garnered huge critical acclaim and has been covered by artists from George Michael to Lily Allen however its critique of the United Sta…

1
The Police 'Roxanne' 5:31

5M ago5:31

5:31

Discover the riveting narrative behind the iconic track "Roxanne" by The Police in this episode. Journey back to 1978 when the band was yet to make their mark, performing in dingy bars and cramped venues across Europe. From their memorable stint at Amsterdam's Paradisio to a serendipitous encounter in the seedy streets of Pigalle, Paris, lead singe…

1
STP183 - Space Craze - Our Enduring Fascination with Real and Imagined Spaceflight with Dr. Margaret Weitekamp 43:56

5M ago43:56

43:56

This week we speak to Dr. Margaret Weitekamp, the Space History Department Chair at the Smithsonian Institution and the curator of the Air and Space Museum’s social and Cultural history of spaceflight collection, more than 5,000 artefacts that include space memorabilia and space science fiction objects. Dr. Weitekamp also recently published Space C…

1
6 - '1950' by King Princess 45:37

5M ago45:37

45:37

The hit '1950' is the focus of this week's episode - Jake speaks to American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mikaela Straus, better known by her stage name King Princess, about the making of the song, queer representation, her influences and how her gender identity impacts her music. 1950 was King Princess' platinum certified debut sin…

1
Paul Young 'Every Time You Go Away' 5:54

5M ago5:54

5:54

In this episode, we delve into the captivating tale behind the renowned track 'Every Time You Go Away.' Initially penned by Daryl Hall for the acclaimed duo Hall & Oates, the song remained relatively unnoticed until Paul Young decided to breathe new life into it. Hailing from the vibrant town of Luton, just north of London, Paul Young's musical jou…

1
STP182 - Using Mission Patches To Inspire The Next Generation - STEAM4SPACE - with Logan Jaeren 34:52

5M ago34:52

34:52

This week we speak to Logan Jaeren who is just about to launch STEAM4SPACE to try and use his extensive mission patch collection to help inspire the next generations. 100 Patreons By Show 200: https://www.patreon.com/Spaceandthings STEAM4SPACE: https://steam4space.org/?page=section/home.html Space exploration Patches: https://sxpatches.com/ Logan J…

1
5 - ‘King’ by Years and Years (Olly Alexander) 37:17

5M ago37:17

37:17

This episode celebrates a hit from 2015 that went straight to the top of the UK Charts and was named song of the year by Time magazine. It’s the compulsively danceable ‘King’ by electro-pop then-trio Years and Years. Jake is joined by Musician and Actor Olly Alexander, the then frontman of Years & Years. Olly is a huge champion of LGBTQ+ issues, pr…

1
Dido 'Here With Me' 6:09

5M ago6:09

6:09

Join us in this captivating episode as we unravel the enthralling story behind the hit track "Here with Me" by the renowned artist Dido, released in 1999. Delve into the bohemian upbringing of Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O'Malley Armstrong, known as Dido, in North London, where her musical journey took root amidst an artistic household. From her e…

1
STP181 - Telling The Story Of The Space Shuttle - with Dr. Jennifer Levasseur 41:35

5M ago41:35

41:35

There are only 3 Space Shuttle Orbiters left. Atlantis is on display at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Endeavour will be on display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles and Discovery is at the Udvar-Hazy Center just outside of Washington DC. While we were in Washington we caught up with Dr. Jennifer Levasseur, the curator of the Sp…

1
4 - 'Fuck The Pain Away' by Peaches 36:17

5M ago36:17

36:17

Cult feminist musician and artist, Peaches exploded onto the music scene in 2000 with her punky, electroclash album The Teaches of Peaches and it’s standout hit 'Fuck the Pain Away'. She’s been pushing the boundaries ever since, making genderqueer work that is sex and body positive and has led the way for successive generations of artists to diddle…

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